Women's Soccer Gears up for Upcoming Campaign
8/17/1999 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Aug. 17, 1999
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Under the watchful eye of head coach Tom Saxton, the 1999 edition of the Michigan State women's soccer team is preparing for its season-opening contest at Bowling Green State University on August 27.
The women's squad started two-a-day practices on Monday and, so far, Saxton likes what he has seen.
"The team came back fit and eager to get things moving in a positive direction," said the ninth-year mentor. "The enthusiasm and energy displayed is a good sign. The team has focused itself on achieving a winning season and being a factor in the Big Ten race."
A total of 20 letterwinners, including nine starters, return from last year's squad that fashioned an overall record of 6-12-2. Five of the top six scorers are back in the fold along with a veteran cast on defense and in goal. According to Saxton, that experience factor is something that will give the Spartans a big boost with the season quickly approaching.
"We will have a veteran-oriented team on that field that possesses good leadership skills along with being tested in game situations," Saxton said. "Across the board, we have perhaps as good of team chemistry and talent spread out at each position that we have ever had."
Following the season opener at Bowling Green, the MSU women's team will make its home debut on Sunday, August 29, vs. Central Michigan starting at 1:00 p.m.